HOUSES WITH A HISTORY
R hode I sland's H istoric H omes, H aunted L egends & H alloween L ore
T here is something about an old house in October. As autumn leaves gather along stone walls and daylight fades earlier each evening, Rhode Island's historic properties seem to take on a different character — one shaped by centuries of history, tradition and, in some cases, a few ghost stories. The state is home to an extraordinary collection of historic buildings, from Colonial-era landmarks and Federal-style residences to grand Gilded Age mansions. Many have fascinating documented histories. Some have equally fascinating legends. In Bristol, Linden Place offers an atmospheric setting for exploring the connection between history and Halloween. Built in 1810 by George DeWolf and designed by architect Russell Warren, the Federal-style mansion has played an important role in Bristol's history. Its preserved architecture and the stories of the families who lived there make it a natural place to consider how history and local lore can become intertwined.
Newport provides another window into the past. The city's celebrated mansions reflect the wealth and social ambitions of the Gilded Age, when some of America's wealthiest
families built elaborate summer residences in the city. The Breakers, built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II between 1893 and 1895, is one of the best-known examples. Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, the Italian Renaissance-inspired mansion combined grand architecture, European craftsmanship and modern technology for its time. These mansions were designed to impress, but their histories are just as compelling as their architecture. Behind every grand entrance are stories of the people who lived and worked within these walls. Families entertained lavishly,
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